Best High Passes Treks in Nepal

If you have long loved the Himalayas, crossing its thrilling passes may be what you have always been waiting for. However, crossing these high passes is not something you can do on a whim. For this, you need determination, willpower, and thirst to accomplish it. This is something that is only for true adventure seekers.

Here, we have listed our picks for the five best pass treks in the Nepalese Himalayas. Read through them and find out which will be the best for the adventurer in you.

1. Everest Three High Pass Trek

This trek involves crossing not one, not two, but three awesome Himalayan passes! Thus, it is safe to say that Everest Three Passes Trek is the mother of all the high passes trekking on the earth. Many don’t know this, but this trek can also be called the Everest Circuit Trek. The trek comes full circle in Lukla, the gateway to the Himalayans.

After rising from Lukla to Chhukung, you will cross the Kongma La pass (5,535m) to reach Lobuche and Everest Base Camp. You will then cross the Cho La pass (5,430m) to reach Gokyo, and finally, the Renjo La pass to reach Thame and Namche Bazaar. As high as these passes are, they aren’t very technical to climb. But, since all of them are above the elevation of 5,00m, it is extremely important to acclimatize properly. If the weather is favorable, you won’t even need the help of tools like crampons, axes, and ropes to cross these passes.

2. Thorong La Pass Trek

At an elevation of 5,416m, Thorang La Pass is the highest pass in Annapurna Himalayas. Thorung La Pass Trek connects two of the most popular and picturesque regions in Nepal – Manang, and Mustang. It is a somewhat difficult trek and involves potential risks as well. However, the views of the mountains and the nearby vicinity from this pass are worth all the trouble and hassle. From here, you can have pretty amazing views of several peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

The trek starts either from Besi Shahar in Lamjung or Jagat in Kaski. The hike up to the pass from Manang isn’t challenging, but still, it is a long way at high elevation. Thus, you must plan your itinerary very carefully to avoid acute mountain sickness. If anything happens, the only option you will have is to return all the way to Besi Shahar. But the motor road is now built all the way to Manang in case of any emergency and for the transport of goods.

3. Larkey La Pass Trek

Larky La Pass Trek or famously known as the Manaslu circuit trek is an unforgettable journey to the Himalayans that will take you to a hidden reserve of rich Tibetan culture. It involves crossing high passes at 5,160m/16,930ft and connects Manaslu and Annapurna trekking region. Thus, it is safe to say that this trek itinerary beautifully blends the cultural and adventurous elements into one to make your journey a truly memorable one.

The trek commences from Arughat. However, it is also possible to begin from Soti Khola or Macha Khola. Crossing the Larkya La Pass is indeed a very challenging adventure. But, it will take you through the wild and remote sections of the Nepalese Himalayans. During your trek, you can witness very varied and amazing scenery as well. But, please remember that the passes are usually only during the trekking season. It is possible to trek during monsoon, but the snow makes it impossible to cross the pass in the winter months.

4. Ganja La Pass Trek

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Ganja La Pass Trek is the most dangerous and difficult trekking route in the Langtang region. But, the steep crossing of the Ganja La (5,106m) from Kyanjin Gompa in Langtang to reach Take Ghyang in Helambu will be the most satisfying and memorable trekking journey you will ever make.

From the top of the pass, you can have mesmerizing views of the Langtang Lirung and other equally awesome Tibetan peaks, including an eight-thousander called Shisha Pangma. In short, you can say that this trek comprises the best of the Langtang region. But, also remember that crossing the pass involves climbing through a very steep section through an avalanche-prone valley. You will require extensive camping equipment to complete this trek.

5. Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

One more in our list from the beautiful and remote Rolwaling region. A high trail to Everest from the Rolwaling pass will take you across the 5,755m/18,882ft high Tashi Laptcha Pass. Traversing from the Rolwaing region to the Everest region, this trekking route offers a significant variation in landscape. Above all, the main advantage of trekking this route is that it will take you to two of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal – Tso Rolpa Lake

The trek will commence from Gongor Khola and end in Lukla. During the trek, there will be significant altitude gains. Thus, it is incredibly crucial to properly acclimatize. Since the region will receive very heavy snowfall, we don’t recommend trekking from late November to early May.

6. Tilman Pass Trek

Tilman Pass Trek is a 5320-meter-high mountain located in the desert of the Langtang region of Nepal. It is named after HW Tillman (1898-1977), a British adventurer and explorer who explored the Himalayas in the mid-20th century. Tilman Pass connects the Tamang Valley of Langtang with the sacred lake of Panch Pokhari, Nepal’s most difficult mountain, where one can see continuous views of the Himalayas including the Langtang Himal and Jugal Himal range.

7. Mesokanta La Pass Trek

Mesokanta La Pass Trek alternative route of the Throng La Pass trek. It is a unique wilderness trekking trail from Manang village to Jomsom in the Annapurna region trek. The trails pass through the famous lake Tilicho which is the highest point lake in the world altitude of 4920 meters high. Tilicho pass is also known as Mesu Kanto la pass 5340 meters. which offer beautiful Himalayan views of Mount Manaslu 8163m, Mount Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mount Annapurna I. 8091m & other 19 snowy capped mountains of the Annapurna region.